Tortellini Divan Bake Recipe

Quick & Bubbly Tortellini Divan Bake Recipe for Family Dinners

Tortellini divan bake combines creamy comfort with unexpected culinary delights.

Hearty pasta refines into a luxurious meal that whispers warmth and satisfaction.

Cheese-laden goodness melts perfectly between tender tortellini, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Familiar ingredients dance together in a casserole that promises pure indulgence.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special with this elegant yet straightforward dish.

Home cooks can elevate their meal repertoire without complicated techniques or endless preparation.

The magic happens when simple components merge into something extraordinary.

Tortellini Divan Bake You’ll Want Weekly

  • Creamy Comfort Meets Convenience: This tortellini bake combines cheesy, luxurious flavors with a super simple one-dish preparation that saves time and reduces cleanup.
  • Texture Triumph: The recipe delivers a delightful contrast between soft, pillowy tortellini, crunchy pecan and cracker topping, and tender chicken and vegetables.
  • Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Packed with bold ingredients like Parmesan, red bell pepper, garlic, and wine, this dish transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.

Everything You Need for Tortellini Divan Bake

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Protein:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds a delightful texture and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Chicken: Tender protein that provides heartiness and substance to the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that brings nutrition and a slight crunch to the bake.
  • Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the base flavor.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Sauce and Dairy:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that adds rich flavor to the sauce.
  • Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy product that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
  • White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce's flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a tangy and rich taste.
Topping and Binding:
  • Butter: Rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps bind the topping.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
  • Red Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.
  • Crackers: Provides a crispy, crunchy topping texture.
  • Pecans: Nuts that add a nutty crunch and additional flavor to the topping.

Instructions for Creamy Tortellini Divan Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools needed for the recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add and cook:
  • Onion
  • Red bell pepper
  • Garlic

Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Half-and-half
  • Wine

Simmer 6-8 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Remove from heat. Stir in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Combine Main Ingredients

Add to the sauce:
  • Tortellini
  • Broccoli
  • Chicken

Mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.

Step 7: Prepare Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Crushed crackers
  • Chopped pecans
  • Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 8: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the crunchy mixture evenly over the tortellini mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes cutting easier.

Tips That Take Tortellini Divan Bake to the Next Level

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality tortellini, crisp broccoli, and tender chicken for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Master the Sauce Technique: Whisk gradually and consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Control Cracker Topping: Crush crackers to a uniform size for an even, golden-brown crunchy layer that adds delightful texture.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch the dish carefully in the last 10 minutes to ensure tortellini stays tender and doesn't become mushy.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and make serving easier.

Saving and Reheating Tortellini Divan Bake with Ease

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled tortellini divan bake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What Goes Best with Tortellini Divan Bake

  • Wine-Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy tortellini bake with a crisp chardonnay or a light pinot grigio that cuts through the dish's heaviness and enhances its delicate flavors.
  • Bread Buddy Boost: Serve with a crusty French baguette or garlic herb focaccia to soak up the luscious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Create a fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the bake's richness and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta dish.
  • Dessert Dream: Follow up with a light lemon sorbet or a simple vanilla panna cotta to cleanse the palate after the decadent, cheesy main course.

Ways to Refresh Tortellini Divan Bake

  • Seafood Paradise: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat, creating a luxurious ocean-inspired casserole. Add diced scallions and swap wine for white wine for enhanced maritime flavors.
  • Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute chicken with roasted mushrooms or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Include zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Mediterranean Marvel: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese. Use oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired profile. Switch crackers with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, and swap Parmesan with pepper jack cheese. Include corn kernels and black beans for a robust Tex-Mex transformation.
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Tortellini Divan Bake Recipe

Tortellini Divan Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy tortellini divan bake combines classic comfort with gourmet flair. Cheesy pasta layers mingle with tender chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty Italian-American casserole that promises pure satisfaction for dinner guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 (20-ounces) package refrigerated cheese-and-spinach tortellini
  • 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half
  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup chopped sweet onion
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 15 round buttery crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. In a spacious pot, gently sauté diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
  2. Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety base for the sauce, allowing it to cook briefly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually introduce chicken broth, half-and-half, and white wine, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
  4. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, developing rich, complex layers of flavor.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and creamy texture, then season with salt and a hint of red pepper for a subtle kick.
  6. Gently incorporate tender tortellini, crisp broccoli florets, and succulent chicken pieces, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the decadent sauce.
  7. Transfer the entire mixture to a generously greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a beautiful, inviting presentation.
  8. Prepare a crunchy topping by combining grated Parmesan, crushed crackers, and chopped pecans, then drizzle with melted butter to bind the ingredients.
  9. Sprinkle the topping generously over the casserole, creating a golden, crisp layer that will add textural contrast.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges bubble and the top turns a gorgeous, appetizing golden brown, signaling the dish is ready to be devoured.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients before starting to create a smooth cooking experience.
  • Keep broth and cream mixture stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent sauce.
  • Select fresh or frozen tortellini based on availability, with cheese or meat filling working equally well in this recipe.
  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
  • Substitute broccoli with asparagus or cauliflower if preferred, maintaining similar vegetable volume for balanced consistency.
  • Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help sauce set and make serving easier without falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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